Some like to play in the CFL’s East Division because they’re from the eastern U.S. and they prefer to be near their families.

Some move to another team so they can be closer to their girlfriends.

Some are just loyal to certain general managers or coaches.

There are many reasons why players sign where they do in free agency, but of course money makes the world go ’round and is usually the No. 1 factor. A chance to win is probably a close second.

There are, however, the less important reasons listed above, and they might just be the factors that push a player over the edge to sign on the dotted line somewhere new. Hey, there’s more to life than money and winning.

OK, so maybe there isn’t more to life than money and winning, but here’s a look at a few CFLers who are poised to become free agents at noon EST on Friday and how they could end up playing for different teams.

- Weldon Brown, DB, Edmonton — A very underrated defensive back, Brown could be a wanted man because he’s had a few coaches over the years in the City of Champions. He had Rich Stubler, who is the defensive co-ordinator in B.C., he’s had Richie Hall, who is the defensive co-ordinator in Saskatchewan and, of course, Kavis Reed in Edmonton.

- Brandon Whitaker, RB, Montreal — Alouettes GM Jim Popp almost sounds like he’s ready to move on from Whitaker, pointing out that he won’t be recovered from knee surgery until just before training camp and that he also wants to try the NFL. Several CFL execs feel Whitaker is Toronto-bound because of his relationship with Argos head coach Scott Milanovich. Milanovich was Whitaker’s offensive co-ordinator between 2009 and 2011.

- Chad Kackert, RB, Toronto — Since it’s believed the Argos are going to go hard after Whitaker, it would only make sense for the Alouettes to counter by snagging last year’s Grey Cup MVP — if he doesn’t end up signing with the NFL’s New York Jets. Sounds logical.

- Deon Beasley, CB, Winnipeg — The Bombers are going to let the backup test free agency, which is code for, “We don’t want you anymore.” The Eskimos are a possible destination because head coach Kavis Reed was Beasley’s defensive co-ordinator in Winnipeg during the 2010 season and is said to like him.

- James Yurichuk, LB, B.C. — At least one long-time CFL exec figures the Winnipeg Blue Bombers should be all over this Ontario native, since they could use a Canadian linebacker or two. Toronto is a possibility as well, considering he’s from Brampton and the Argos might be looking at a ratio breaker somewhere on their defence if defensive end Ricky Foley leaves via free agency.

- Julius Williams, DE, Edmonton — He has shown the ability to get off the edge, registering seven sacks in 24 games over the last two seasons. The Stampeders are looking for pass rush help, but one CFLer suggested Williams could look to Montreal since he’s an East Coast guy. Hey, you never know. And the Alouettes do need a pass rusher as well to complement John Bowman.

- Evan McCollough, DB, Toronto — More than one CFL executive believes he will end up in Hamilton, which makes sense. His former secondary coach with the Argos, Orlondo Steinauer, is the new defensive co-ordinator with the Tabbies. Makes sense.

- Stanley Bryant, OL, Calgary — It’s believed he will be deciding between the two Alberta teams, because Calgary wants him back but his former offensive line coach, Kris Sweet, is now in the same job with the Eskimos. The Esks might be offering more money, too. Decisions, decisions.

ALOUTTES HIRE HAWKINS: REPORT

It appears the Montreal Alouettes have found their man.

According to The Gazette, the Alouettes have hired Dan Hawkins to replace Marc Trestman as head coach. Trestman left last month to become the head coach of the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

Hawkins was head coach of the high-flying Boise State University Broncos between 2001 and 2005, and then he guided the University of Colorado Buffaloes between 2006 and 2010. He has a career U.S. college coaching record of 112-61-1.

He has some history with the Als, too, as he took part in their off-season coaching meetings last winter, according to The Gazette.

When Hamilton re-signed offensive lineman Brian Simmons and defensive back Bo Smith on Thursday, they locked up their last two potential free agents who were starters in 2012.

As of Thursday night, there were 22 starters — or nearly an entire starting set — who were still eligible to go free at noon Friday.

The Roughriders and Argonauts still have four starters outstanding, while Winnipeg, Montreal, B.C. and Edmonton each had three.

Of the 22 starters, five are Canadian, which indicates how important non-imports are to CFL squads.

LATE HITS

According to a source, Alouettes defensive back Jerald Brown sent an e-mail to teams saying he was going to be a free agent on Friday … TSN reported the Argos released Kevin Huntley on Thursday but will re-sign him on Friday under a restructured deal that is more friendly to the salary cap … Saskatchewan linebackers Tyron Brackenridge and Shomari Williams, a Canadian, will hit the market on Friday. “Both not signing with us anytime soon,” GM Brendan Taman wrote in an e-mail.